Reality show star and former beauty queen, Beauty Tukara, speaks with SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN about her reality TV show, Big Brother Naija and sundry issues. Excerpts:
You won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award 2023 in the Best Dressed category. How does it feel like?
It feels absolutely amazing. It was my first time at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award event and I walked out with an award. Thanks to my fans and BeeNavy for voting me in that category. I didn’t even know the details of the voting process, but my fans went to that great extent for me.
Did you see it coming?
I did not see it coming, to be hones,t but it was expected because I had entered the competition. It was a 50/50 chance for me because it required voting by fans and I’m happy ‘my BeeNavy’ came through.
Can you tell us more about the dress that got you the winning title? Who made it and how much did you spend on getting it?
The dress was a mermaid inspired one and the idea was to be completely different from everyone else. It was made by Xtrabride Lagos. I’d like to withhold the amount please.
You were also named one of the most influential people of African descent a few weeks ago. How does it feel too?
I feel really honoured and blessed because the award means a lot to me. It shows that I’m seen and appreciated. It is every content creator’s dream to create content that people can relate with and appreciate. Getting the award means that my contents and works are seen and appreciated. That matters a lot to me. I’m really happy and grateful to the Mipad Organisation for the recognition.
What do you think gave you an edge over other competitors?
I don’t know what the selection process was, but it is more of a recognition. It’s not a competition so I think it was centered majorly on influence even on the social media space and my project with MultiChoice, ‘My Beautyful Life’.
You recently started a reality TV show, ‘The Beautyful Life’. What inspired it?
When I was growing up, I always enjoyed watching reality TV shows and seeing how these TV stars can influence their own crowd through their lifestyles and I’ve always wanted that. I realised we didn’t have enough reality TV stars in Nigeria capitalising on that. When Multi Choice reached out, I took the opportunity because it was a platform to show the world what being a reality TV star in Nigeria is all about. The struggles and the glamorous side of being a celebrity in Nigeria.
How has the response been?
The response has been absolutely amazing, especially from my fans. It has given them more access to my life, more understanding of my work and how I navigate through theindustry.
It’s generally a great show and I’m excited about it. Mondays are for Beauty Tukura because Mondays are for ‘My Beautyful Life’. The reality TV show is one of the top 10 shows currently on Showmax, it is quite encouraging to achieve that. I feel blessed.
Did you encounter any peculiar challenge that was discouraging along the way?
Reality TV is generally challenging because it is me putting out my life, my business, my struggles, family and everything out there subject to other people’s opinions. You can imagine the risk. I don’t think there is anything more challenging than that. It’s a 50/50 situation. Some will love you for who you are and others won’t but that is why it is a challenge I guess.
Which of the episodes is the most interesting?
I can’t say I do but then, I love every episode because they are all interesting and at times, I am tempted to say I prefer one episode over the next. So, I don’t have a favorite episode. Each episode tells a story and shows a different side of me. They are all entertaining.
‘My Beautyful life’ will run for 13 weeks. What next after the 13 episodes?
Life and work continues. ‘My Beautyful Life’ isn’t scripted. I’m sharing what is already happening with all of my fans and after 13 episodes, work will continue. More brand endorsements, community works and brand collaborations. So, my fans should stay updated through my social media platforms.
Do you think people misunderstood you based on the BBN experience?
I won’t say I was misunderstood because I know my actions in the reality show weren’t the best and I take full responsibility and accountability for my actions.
What negative notions about your personality will you like to correct?
I’m just a human being making her mistakes and learning from life experiences. We all learn from certain experiences. We unlearn to relearn, grow perfectly imperfect, that’s human nature for you. The most important thing to me is making conscious efforts to be a better person every day. I am working towards that daily.
Do you plan on using your law degree?
My mother would love you for this question. I’m preparing to go back to school, so, let’s keep our fingers crossed.
You recently described Big Brother Naija as toxic. Can you explain what you mean by that?
I didn’t say that Big Brother Naija is toxic. What I meant is that the environment can be toxic because that is what has been promoted by some fans of the reality show and the housemates over time. I think fans usually forget that housemates are human beings with normal human emotion and sometimes, they over stretch their grievances even to their family. But then again, it can be argued that it’s not restricted to the Big Brother Naija community alone but even extends to politics and other areas.
It is a common occurrence for ex-housemates to pitch their tents with the entertainment industry. Are you looking in that direction too?
By default, I’m already a part of the entertainment industry but I have interest in other areas as well.
Looking back at your experience as a beauty queen, what lessons did you learn?
Life happens fast and you always have to be prepared. I was queen during COVID-19 so this was a very important lesson for me. I didn’t expect that my reign would be that long but the situation made it so.
I also learnt that it is important to always show kindness because there’s a lot of healing going on in the world. The beauty pageant was a huge responsibility for me and I am grateful I was able to fulfil my responsibilities. I have been able to make good use of the experience and the things I learnt from it.
What was your parent’s reaction when you told them you were going in for Miss Nigeria pageant?
They were skeptical because pageantry is not really prevalent in the north. They had their reservations but ultimately they trusted me and my decisions. They were supportive and encouraged me all through, I am grateful to them for that.
What about BBN?
I didn’t tell my parents that I was attempting to go for Big Brother Naija. Even after I was picked as one of the housemates, I didn’t tell them until a day before the lockdown stage and I can say that was one of my biggest mistakes.
I went in by myself and they still supported me, regardless of the outcome.
What advice do you have for ladies looking at going into the reality show?
I would encourage anyone looking to participate in either of these competitions to stay true to their authentic self. Believe in yourself ultimately and be prepared for the competition.
How do you start your day?
Generally, I pray, check through my emails and call my manager.
Share some of your beauty routine
I use amazing skincare products from Lavyanna Skincare. You should check them out. I have created a skincare routine with their products that I consistently use twice a day; morning and night.
You must have enjoyed special privileges as the last born of the family. What was growing up like?
No I didn’t. I grew up in a Christian nuclear home and my parents were disciplinarians so there were no special privileges accorded to me.
However, growing up was interesting and comfortable for me, all thanks to my parents. I attended some of the best schools and was well taken care of while growing up. I’m grateful to my parents for all that.
